Classic Kerala: Backwaters, Beaches & Tea Plantations
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the fertile hills of the Western Ghats, Kerala has with good reason been christened “God’s Own Country”. A land of beaches and backwaters, lush tea plantations and spices, it enjoys a cultural heritage that can trace its influences back to Chinese, Arab and European traders. The journey begins in historic Cochin, “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”, where you’ll have a chance to enjoy its rich mix of Indian and European traditions ...
Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the fertile hills of the Western Ghats, Kerala has with good reason been christened “God’s Own Country”. A land of beaches and backwaters, lush tea plantations and spices, it enjoys a cultural heritage that can trace its influences back to Chinese, Arab and European traders. The journey begins in historic Cochin, “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”, where you’ll have a chance to enjoy its rich mix of Indian and European traditions including Kathakali dancing and Keralan cuisine, before continuing into the Western Ghats to the hill resort of Munnar. Set against the backdrop of lush tea plantations, you will then explore the wildlife rich landscapes of Periyar Tiger Reserve by bamboo raft and on foot, before boarding your own private houseboat to explore the beautiful and idyllic Backwaters. The end of the journey then sees you heading back to the coast, to enjoy a little time sampling the golden beaches and azure waters around Kovalam
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE COCHIN
On arrival in Cochin you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel to freshen up. This evening you will then get the chance to enjoy a remarkable performance of Kerala's famous Kathakali dancing. With origins in the 17th century, Kathakali is a highly stylised classical dance characterised by its bright costumes and the heavily painted faces of the performers, giving an insight into the ancient stories and heritage of South India.
Day 2 COCHIN
This morning you will be taken to a local chef’s home where you will learn how to cook a traditional Keralan meal before enjoying the meal with your host in her dining room. Explore the local market and learn about the different ingredients and enjoy a true culinary adventure with one of Cochin’s top experts. After your delicious lunch, you can enjoy a tour of the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country. Make sure to also visit Mattancherry Palace, also know as the Dutch Palace, a fine example of Keralan architecture fused with colonial influences.
Day 3 COCHIN - MUNNAR
Today you leave the coast behind and head into the lush hills of the Western Ghats and the hill-town resort of Munnar. Strategically located at the confluence of three rivers, the town sits high amongst the cool highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and the mist shrouded hills of the Western Ghats.
Day 4 MUNNAR
Today you will explore on foot through the beautiful Letchmi hills. Your walk will bring you through tea plantations, patches of Shola forest and grasslands as well as treating you to views of Idukki Dam, the highest arch dam in Asia, and Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India. Look out for exotic species and endemic birds of the Western Ghats, part of one of the world’s Biodiversity hotspots and enjoy a picturesque picnic along the way. Drive back to Munnar with the option of visiting a tea museum or the Srishti employment project.
Day 5 MUNNAR - THEKKADY
After breakfast you will travel to Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a community-based ecotourism project which aims to protect the rare flora and fauna of the region as well as providing a living for the residents of the area.
Day 6 THEKKADY
The morning will be spent in Periyar Nature Reserve, hiking and bamboo rafting through some of the wilder forest of the reserve. Animals such as tigers, elephants, sambar, giant squirrels and Nilgiri langur may be spotted, as well as native tribes people fishing or swimming. Periyar Nature Reserve is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists alike, with its rich fauna and vast open land, a wonderful place to experience some of southern India’s wildlife. In the early evening you can also enjoy a birdwatching walk led by a specialist naturalist guide.
Day 7 THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY - BACKWATERS
Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will board your private houseboat for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast.
Day 8 BACKWATERS - ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM
Disembarking this morning you will travel by road to Kovalam, a journey of approximately 4 hours, passing through a multitude of small colourful towns. Arrive to your beach escape in Kovalam and enjoy the delights of the Arabian Sea coast.
Day 9 KOVALAM
Today is free to relax or explore at leisure, enjoying the sandy beaches and warm waters of Kovalam. Kovalam, which translates as 'Grove of Coconut Trees', is home to stunning beaches framed by sweeping coconut trees and idyllic sunsets, the perfect setting for your journey’s end.
Day 10 DEPART KOVALAM
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Nestling on a gentle slope amidst 22 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, the five star Surya Samudra overlooks the waters of the Arabian Sea. Guests are accommodated in 22 private cottages that reflect the harmonious principles of traditional Tharavadu houses, with terracotta roofs, tiled floors and handpicked furnishings. Most of the rooms offer sea views, whilst a short walk down to the secluded beach offers easy access into the clear waters. With an infinity pool, expansive grounds and superb a la carte cuisine, the resort provides an excellent beach getaway.
Windermere Hotel, Munnar
Located just outside Munnar, on a 60 acre coffee and cardamom plantation set along the slopes of the Western Ghats, the Windermere Hotel is a traditional property with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages that overlook the mountains and the lush hills of the Chithirapuram Valley. All the rooms come with balconies and large panoramic windows, whilst the hotel's restaurant offers local Keralan cuisine, family inspired recipes and a western style breakfast. Please note the restaurant does not sell alcohol. Guided trekking options around the estate and the surrounding plantations are also available.
Old Harbour, Cochin
Carefully built inside a restored 300-year-old building in the historic heart of Kerala, this boutique hotel contains 13 unique rooms, each named after the surrounding streets. Crafted with Portuguese and Dutch influences, the high ceilings, four poster beds and art on the walls make this an exquisite place to stay. There are three cottages in the garden for added exclusivity. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, gardens and Ayurvedic spa, who's products are purely organic, as are the soap and shampoos in the bathroom and the delicacies in the restaurant. There is no Wi-Fi or television in the rooms to encourage disconnection, but Wi-Fi dongles and televisions can be provided upon request.
Spice Village, Thekkady
Spice Village is set within fourteen acres of forest covered hills on the border of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Influenced by the native people of the region who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for generations, the roofs of the 47 cottages are thatched using elephant grass in the unique way of Mannan tribes of Periyar. The cottages are surrounded by fruit trees and spice plantations, which attract squirrels and monkeys, and all feature private bathrooms and a verandah. The restaurant serves Keralan cuisine, whilst the unique 50 Mile restaurant resources its ingredients only from within 50 miles of the resort in order to reduce its carbon footprint. For a more intimate outdoor dining experience, a romantic candle-lit dinner can be arranged in the middle of the wilderness. Hidden within the spice garden are basketball, badminton and tennis courts for the more active guests, whilst the Tiger Club exhibition is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast. The swimming pool is surrounded by swaying palms that provide a sense of tranquillity and calm, especially when paired with an Ayurveda massage. Venture outside the village into the tiger reserve or Thekkady town, only a short walk away. Having won Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism award, Spice Village is a chemical free zone, has its own vermicomposting plant where most of the daily waste is recycled and almost all the energy is resourced from solar power. As with most CGH properties, filtered water is served in glass bottles and there are daily experiences included such as paper making, cooking demonstrations and musical performances.
Xandari Houseboat, Alleppey
Experience seamless panorama of life and scenery on the backwaters in a one bedroom, two bedrooms, or three-bedroom houseboat, each designed with great care and attention to detail by Xandari and built by local craftsmen. These 'Kettuvallams', as they’re known locally, are comfortable and plush, and are built to deliver the escape and relaxation that take one away from all kinds of stress. Each bedroom is spacious enough in its 14 square meters, with en suite bathrooms, large picture windows, and an option of either one double or two single beds. To maintain a tranquil backwater experience, our boats are television free zones. Xandari Riverscapes is a water-based houseboat operation, and so relationships have been established with local farmers to supply the local rice from Kerala’s noted paddy, and as much produce as possible. Additionally, duck farmers throughout the backwaters supply their meats daily, and local fishermen provide much shellfish and the famous local fish, Karimeen otherwise known as Pearl Spot.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA
Check out our group tours in India
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to India. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in India